Larry was born on June 15, 1950 to Robert E. and Bernice Case Bannister. He was a proud graduate of the Dixie High School class of 1968 and later attended Forrest Junior College. He began his career as an insurance salesman. Throughout his career, he worked various jobs in sales and retired from Rent-A-Center. In his spare time, Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and tending to his azaleas.

Larry met his sweetheart Susan as a teenager when he was bagging groceries at the Winn Dixie. They were married on May 11, 1974 and they enjoyed 49 years together.

Along with his wife, Larry was predeceased by his parents and his five siblings: R.E. “Junior” Bannister, Franklin Bannister, Milas John (M.J.) Bannister, Leonard Bannister, and Melba Bannister Bratcher.

Larry is survived by his two children: Travis Bannister of Greenwood, and Jessica Dorn (Tom) of Saluda. He enjoyed being “Poppy” to his two grandchildren, Emma Legare Dorn and Luke Thomas Dorn of Saluda. He enjoyed being “Uncle Larry” to numerous nieces and nephews.  He was grateful for the love, support, and friendship of his niece Brenda Latimer, and nephews Billy Bannister, Glenn Bannister, Melvin Bannister, Ronnie Bannister, and Welton Bratcher. He cherished his friendships with his Dixie buddies Gary and Marilyn Gilmer, Charlene Haynes, Gene Pruitt, and Patsy Evans.  Larry was also grateful to his brother-in-laws and sister-in laws, Sharon and Jimmy Parnell and Richard and Kay Powell, for their help in his care and the caretaking of his beloved dog, Snickers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 13 2026 at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Krieger officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 5-7 PM at Pruitt Funeral Home.

The family is at their respective homes.